Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone therapy is usually the best option for men suffering from hypogonadism, that is; the gonads or testes are not producing enough testosterone so that their libido is affected. Some men report having little or no sex drive, they feel lethargic and worn out.

Low testosterone levels can have all sorts of effects, including; increased body fat, hair loss, reduced bone density, reduced muscle mass, insomnia and a general loss of energy. In some men it can lead to depression and anxiety. Blood testing is used to determine if someone has low testosterone levels.

Testosterone levels reach their peak in adolescence and early adulthood. A typical man will lose about 1% of his testosterone every year after the age of about 30. This is a normal part of the aging process. Some males have a low testosterone level to begin with.

As they age and start to have reduced levels of testosterone production, it can become a problem, and if they notice any of the above symptoms, perhaps it is time to consider testosterone replacement therapy. Your doctor will conduct a blood test and if it is found that indeed you do have reduced levels of testosterone then he will refer you to a specialist who can talk to you about which form of therapy is best suited for your particular situation.

Low Testosterone Causes and Therapy

There can be a variety of causes of testosterone or androgen deficiency, and these can include the following; chronic illness, alcohol abuse, medications used to treat mental disorders and depression, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, pituitary gland dysfunction, too much iron in the blood (hemochromatosis), inflammatory diseases and stress.

The use of natural testosterone replacement is the best and safest form of treatment, and minimizes any risks and side effects. Treatment is long term and there are several forms of delivery into the body.

Testosterone is available as a gel or cream, skin patches (trans-dermal patches) and injections. Injections are usually done at 2 week intervals (intra-muscular). The oral form of testosterone is not as easily absorbed by the body and could increase the risk of heart and liver problems.

Testosterone replacement therapy has not yet been studied long term and you could experience possible side effects. Some of these are acne, headaches, mood swings, increased appetite leading to weight gain, swollen ankles, nausea and vomiting, possible liver problems. Priapism (persistent erection) is another commonly reported side effect and if it lasts for more than 3 or 4 hours will require medical treatment.

Conclusion

If you think you could need testosterone therapy consult your doctor, never order your testosterone therapy drugs over the internet. Only qualified doctors can test and recommend a suitable course of action for you.

They will do a thorough check of your medical history including testing your prostate to determine what therapy is best for you. Quite often your doctors may need to try several different forms of testosterone therapy before they can arrive at a conclusion of which is best suited for your circumstances.